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Mr Mnangagwa, a former state security chief known as "The Crocodile", will head an interim post-Mugabe unity government that will focus on rebuilding ties with the outside world and stabilising an economy in freefall.

Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets of Harare yesterday, singing, dancing and hugging soldiers in an outpouring of elation at Mugabe's overthrow.

Men, women and children ran alongside the armoured cars and troops who stepped in this week to oust the man who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980.

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Emmerson Mnangagwa has replaced Robert Mugabe as head of the Zanu-PF

Under house arrest in his lavish Blue Roof residence, Mr Mugabe refused to stand down even as he has watched his support from party, security services and people evaporate in less than three days.

Mugabe's wife Grace, whose ambitions of succeeding Mr Mugabe into the presidency are thought to have sparked the military's decision to step in, has also been expelled from the party.

Mr Mnangagwa has been a loyal ally of Mr Mugabe’s since the fight for independence in 1970s and and has a “pretty fearsome reputation”.

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Celebrations have broken out across Zimbabwe after the sacking of Robert Mugabe

Born in central Zimbabwe in 1942, Mr Mnangagwa grew up to become one of the richest men in Zimbabwe.

He studied for a law degree while in Zambia, before playing a key role in Zimbabwe’s bid for independence.

He is one of Mr Mugabe's former guerrilla comrades who joined Mugabe in exile in Mozambique as his special assistant.

Mugabe resigns: Zimbabwe celebrates end of an era

Thu, November 23, 2017

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has resigned from his post as President of Zimbabwe, who has ruled the country for 37 years